Lot details
Registration No: MVA 250
Chassis No: S804407DN
Mot Expiry: March 2013

In 1954, the all-conquering XK120 gave way to the XK140. Visual changes included more substantial bumpers with over-riders, a one-piece radiator grille with fewer but thicker vertical slats, and a chrome strip that ran up the centre of the bonnet and continued down the middle of the boot lid, where it proudly incorporated a red shield with the words 'Winner Le Mans 1951-3' inscribed in gold. The mechanical specification comprised a number of fundamental upgrades. Braking was improved, the recirculating ball steering was replaced by a rack and pinion system, suspension travel was increased and the lever arm rear dampers superseded by more modern telescopic units. An additional 3 inches of legroom was achieved by moving the engine, firewall and dashboard forwards. What had been the SE options for the XK120 engine now became standard. The newcomer was offered in three body styles - Roadster, Drophead Coupe and Fixed Head Coupe. The XK140 was a quick car by any standards. In SE trim, it could accelerate to 60mph in under 9 seconds and rapidly on to a top speed approaching 125mph. The model remained in production until 1957.

The right-hand drive XK140 now being sold is a Fixed Head Coupe built on September 13th 1955 and first registered to somebody in the Glasgow area a couple of weeks later. It sports California Sage Green bodywork while the interior is trimmed in Old Beige leather. The Jaguar apparently spent most of its life in South Africa before being repatriated during 2001. It has been partly renovated over the last 10 years and simultaneously upgraded to 'fast road' specification with: disc brakes all round; independent rear suspension; anti tramp bars; individual front seats and a Le Mans-style filler cap. The XK comes complete with original registration number - 'MVA 250' - and an MOT into March next year.